As SAP continues to expand its cloud footprint, many organizations are asking: Should we stay with SAP GRC Access Control 12.0 or move to SAP Cloud Identity Access Governance (IAG)?
At the SAPInsider EMEA 2025 conference, SAP clarified one of the biggest misconceptions in the SAP compliance space, SAP Access Control and SAP Cloud IAG are not replacements for each other. Instead, they’re distinct yet complementary solutions within SAP’s access governance ecosystem.
This post breaks down the key differences, similarities, and integration capabilities between the two, helping you decide which approach, or combination, best suits your compliance journey.
Understanding the Foundations
SAP Access Control 12.0
SAP GRC Access Control 12.0 is an on-premise (or hosted) solution built on ABAP and SAP HANA, featuring a Fiori-based UI. It’s designed for enterprises that need a robust, full-suite compliance and access management platform, supporting:
- Access Risk Analysis (Segregation of Duties & critical access)
- Emergency Access Management (Firefighter)
- Access Request Management
- Business Role Management
- Periodic Access Certifications
It delivers real-time visibility into risk exposure and helps organizations control access, prevent fraud, and automate compliance processes.
SAP Cloud Identity Access Governance (IAG)
SAP Cloud IAG, on the other hand, is a cloud-native, Fiori-based solution that brings simpler, adaptive, and integrated access governance to both SAP cloud and on-premise systems.
It’s composed of modular services like:
- Access Analysis
- Access Request
- Role Design
- Access Certification
- Privileged Access Management
Intelligent Governance: AI at the Core
Its mission is to make access governance easier and faster for cloud-centric enterprises while minimizing risk and operational overhead.
Key Functional Differences (as of 2025)
Integration Through the IAG Cloud Bridge
One of SAP’s smartest design decisions is the IAG Cloud Bridge, allowing GRC 12.0 and IAG to work together in hybrid environments.
The Cloud Bridge enables:
- Shared risk libraries, mitigation controls, and business role simulations
- Combined access request and risk analysis across on-premise and cloud systems
- Seamless integration between SAP Access Control and cloud apps like Ariba, Concur, SuccessFactors, Fieldglass, and S/4HANA Cloud
This hybrid model is ideal for organizations transitioning gradually to SAP’s cloud ecosystem.
Choosing the Right Solution
According to SAP, your decision depends on your current compliance maturity, infrastructure strategy and future roadmap:
- Choose SAP Cloud IAG if you:
- Need rapid cloud deployment without on-premise hardware
- Are focused on SAP Cloud applications (SuccessFactors, Ariba, etc.)
- Require quick setup and scalability
- Choose SAP GRC Access Control 12.0 if you:
Modernized user experience with Fiori
- Have complex, multi-system compliance requirements
- Need full workflow flexibility and advanced risk remediation
- Operate primarily in on-premise or hosted SAP landscapes
3. Choose Both (Hybrid Approach) if you:
- Need comprehensive coverage for both on-premise and cloud systems
- Want to leverage the IAG Cloud Bridge
- Are on a multi-year cloud migration path
Looking Ahead: SAP GRC 2026 and Beyond
The upcoming SAP GRC 2026 release will continue to support on-premise capabilities while integrating even more deeply with SAP Cloud IAG. Importantly, IAG will remain the bridge for cloud integration scenarios, emphasizing SAP’s hybrid governance strategy rather than a full migration mandate.
Key Takeaways
- It’s not just Cloud vs. On-Premise, the real decision lies in your compliance priorities.
- SAP IAG is not a full replacement for Access Control 12.0.
- GRC 12.0 and IAG can work together to form a unified, hybrid governance model.
- Understanding your organization’s roadmap and maturity is crucial to choosing the right mix.
Final Thoughts
The future of SAP compliance management isn’t binary, it’s hybrid. Organizations will increasingly rely on SAP Cloud IAG for agility and GRC Access Control 12.0 for depth. Understanding how they complement each other is key to staying ahead in SAP’s evolving governance landscape.
Also read my previous blog about: SAP GRC 2026
How can Expertum help you further?
At Expertum, we believe security is more than just compliance,it’s the foundation for trust, resilience, and sustainable growth. Our GRC & Security team combines deep SAP expertise with a pragmatic approach to help organizations strengthen their governance, manage risks, and ensure control over critical business processes.
Whether you’re assessing your current security posture, preparing for an S/4HANA transformation, or looking to enhance identity and access management, we guide you every step of the way. From SAP GRC and Access Control to advanced authorization concepts and audit readiness,we help you stay secure, compliant, and in control.
With our collaborative mindset, proven best practices, and hands-on experience across industries, Expertum enables your business to turn compliance into confidence.